Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re ready to make some changes in your life. Maybe you’re struggling to form deep and meaningful relationships. Maybe you’re tired of constantly making to-do lists but never finishing them. Or maybe you’re tired of being plagued by indecision and self-doubt. As a licensed professional counselor, I’ll help you let go of perfectionism, people pleasing and other related anxieties. I’m a perfectionist therapist who loves working with high achievers, anxious college students and overwhelmed adults. I'm a licensed professional counselor in Missouri, Illinois and Colorado. I also offer Brainspotting.

We are a dedicated team of mental health professionals passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward balance, meaningful connections, and a more fulfilling life.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make sense of who you are, where you’re going, and how to handle life’s challenges. I work with students who feel like their emotions are out of control, are struggling with identity, navigating family stress, searching for community, or carrying the impact of past experiences. I understand how culture, family, and community shape our stories. Sometimes in ways that bring strength, and other times through cycles we want to break. I believe therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we’ll build coping tools, create balance, and honor your culture, story, and strengths as you move toward a life that feels more meaningful and manageable.

My interests and expertise are in general adult psychiatric medicine, with a special focus on helping patients navigate depression, anxiety, OCD, and issues related to LGBTQ+ culture. I provide management of prescription medications along with supportive psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy in every session. I am an adult psychiatrist who focuses on helping patients feel comfortable and heard during their appointments. I earned my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency as chief resident at the University of Toledo Medical Center. All treatment plans are collaboratively developed in a respectful and professional environment. I take a warm and personable approach, looking forward to helping individuals achieve their best selves.

Hi, I’m Payton Smith, and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, pressure, or expectations. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe enough to explore your experiences, process what’s been weighing on you, and begin to make sense of your story. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths while building the tools needed to navigate life with more confidence. I use a flexible, collaborative approach that allows me to meet you where you are and adapt to what you need in each moment. I value going beyond surface-level conversations and creating space for meaningful, honest work.

Welcome! Are you one of those students who struggles with keeping things organized or gets stuck and shuts down when you have a lot going on? Do you get overwhelmed easily? Are you just having some trouble adjusting to being at school? Imagine feeling at ease when you have big assignments coming up, or having the coping skills to work through anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed! Life would be easier and you would be more more in control. If that’s you, you have come to the right place! I focus on helping college students work through their anxiety and challenges with planning ahead, time management, and social skills. I also work with students struggling to adjust to the transition and those just “needing someone to talk to while they are at school” for whatever reason! I look forward to hearing from you! Please reach out via my website: www.rachelkalinalcsw.com and schedule your FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION and we can discuss your needs! Have more questions? Email me at: rachel@rachelkalinalcsw.com

My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, learn to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.

Breanne believes each of us is unique having different life experiences that influence how you see yourself, others, and the world around you. She knows there can be times you might find that you need to adjust or adapt, and that can be hard. Change begins when you take the first steps to know yourself better and Breanne wants to offer you the support and encouragement necessary to do that. Breanne draws from a rich background dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment, one where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions while navigating challenges. You will be encouraged to nurture your strengths by focusing on positive aspects while working towards meaningful and effective solutions for change. Breanne is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Breanne brings a holistic approach to counseling by focusing on the interconnected wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Breanne works predominantly with Adult and Adolescent clients offering counseling for Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Divorce/Relationship Recovery, Betrayal Trauma, Complex Relationship Dynamics and Life Transitions.

Little Bird Psychotherapy is a therapeutic space for clients to explore and understand themselves with a sense of compassion and curiosity. Rooted in a commitment to collaborative care free of judgement and shame, Little Bird welcomes those with a desire to discover and rediscover who they are in order to embody their most authentic and joyful selves. We are who we have always been; Little Bird can help you see who that is. I enjoy working with adults of all ages seeking support with eating disorders/body image, gender/sexuality exploration, unique stressors of graduate school, and family of origin issues. Abolition is the primary value that guides both my own life and practice. In sessions, this involves a deep understanding and compassion for all persons and their parts and a commitment to maintaining space free of pathologization and hierarchical relationships between therapist and client. I am deeply invested in anti-carceral approaches to healing. For clients wanting to engage in a collaborative relationship to foster healing, find joy in their authentic selves, and practice more self compassion, this might be your nest.

I’m Christine Askeland, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I provide compassionate psychiatric care and have a special focus on women’s mental health, pregnancy and postpartum support, and addiction treatment. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and truly heard. I’m known for my warm, nonjudgmental approach and for meeting people where they are. I believe mental health care should feel collaborative and personalized, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Together, we’ll focus on your goals, preferences, and what matters most to you, so your care feels meaningful and supportive. My approach combines psychotherapy with thoughtful, evidence-based medication management while also looking at the bigger picture of wellness. I value the role of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and daily routines in emotional health, and I work with you to create a balanced, realistic treatment plan that supports long-term healing and stability.

Margarita Kos is a board-certified Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Illinois. She obtained her MSN as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) from Loyola University and post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health certification from Maryville University. She has over 25 years of nursing experience that includes working in the emergency room, family practice, pain management, and psychiatric mental health as a registered nurse (RN) and APN. Margarita is fluent in English and Polish. Margarita is actively practicing in the Chicago-land area with a focus on maintaining mental health wellness, providing psychopharmacologic treatment management, and improving the quality of life of her patients through preventative healthcare. Her areas of special emphasis include mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of mental illnesses amongst the childhood, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Margarita is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients while maintaining a safe environment to promote therapeutic relationships. By actively adapting to the needs of each patient on a personal level, Margarita is able to assist patients in developing treatment plans to meet their goals and desired outcomes. Margarita strives to develop mental health treatment plans through various approaches including psychological or physical well-being, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies.

I hope to help you on your journey of growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with clients to reflect on their experiences and find new ways to express themselves, communicate, and cope with life’s challenges. I have experience working with ADHD, anger control, anxiety, communication difficulties, depression, low self-esteem, marital conflict, mood disorders, and trauma. I use a combination of person-centered, solution-focused, CBT, and DBT interventions. I place great value in meeting clients where they are and will implement a variety of approaches to meet client needs and preferences. I enjoy using both art and games to give clients additional ways to express themselves.

I work with college students and young adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, performance pressure, and emotional shutdown — even when they are capable and motivated. Many of the students I support struggle with test anxiety, presentations, interviews, perfectionism, panic symptoms, or the sense that their nervous system goes into “fight or flight” under pressure. Others experience anxiety and depression together, which can affect motivation, focus, and connection. My approach is neuroscience-informed and practical. I use evidence-based therapies including EMDR, ACT, CBT, Polyvagal-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce reactivity, and build confidence in real-world situations. I provide a supportive, structured space where students can develop tools to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience

I specialize in helping teens, adults, and parents by creating a space that feels safe, judgment-free, and genuinely compassionate. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about your next steps, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down, uncover what truly matters to you, and develop practical strategies to ease your stress. Along the way, you’ll build confidence, self-compassion, and a stronger connection to yourself and your values.

Kenna is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 10 years of experience. She is a nationally certified counselor and independently licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. She is currently accepting clients virtually only at this time. She specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I accept several different insurances. You can visit my page below for the most up-to-date list of these insurances and to get started with me.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I value each person for who they are and strive to create a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels respected and accepted. I believe mental health care should be empowering, supportive, and individualized, which is why I take time to understand what matters most to you—so we can work together to create a plan that supports your goals and overall well-being. I focus on understanding your story, goals, and expectations, and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. I aim to be a caring, approachable provider who believes meaningful care starts with seeing the whole person, not just a diagnosis

My ideal client is wanting to recreate the moments they desire most within their relationships and at school. My goal is to help people embrace their strengths. I do this through creating an environment where differences are appreciated and authentic choices can be identified. I enjoy helping students as they adjust to life changes, navigate friendships, and cope with school related stressors. I value working with couples as they identify ways to maintain intimacy. I enjoy helping students and their families adjust to life changes. I believe it is possible for you to experience a deeper connection. If you are interested in making this happen, feel free to reach out to me via email or by phone. I look forward to getting to know you more and seeing if I am a good fit within your journey.

I welcome the individual that is curious to understand the myriad of feelings, patterns and issues in one's life. I create space to be known and understand the self. Young adulthood is a time of discovery, to figure out how you want to be. Old defenses and coping skills may not be working as well. My professional interests are broad when it comes to the human condition including grief and loss, relationships and transitions. I work through a relational psychodynamic strength-based attachment lens. You and I work within the relational interaction between us as we discover your self-structure. This allows a person to expand and evolve. The hardest step is reaching out. If the way I work is of interest, please give me a call to see if treatment would be a good fit. All questions are good questions. Invest in yourself, you are worth it. I practice in Missouri, Maine, Illinois and New Mexico. My undergraduate educational experience is from Dartmouth College along with my MSW from Washington University. I have certificates of study from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, in the Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program and from The National Institute for the Psychotherapies, NYC, in Integrative Trauma Studies. I am currently in year 2 of Somatic Expererience Method Training. I have worked inpatient, residential and outpatient with a team oriented approach in nationally known facilities, McLean Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and Care and Counseling St. Louis prior to opening my own practice in 2015. Be well, Cindy